EMBRACE THE RENAISSANCE

Cashmere Agency is a lifestyle marketing collective comprised of creative minds from the worlds of entertainment, advertising and new media. We build authentic campaigns, pieced together by a creative mix of marketing and public relations strategies, that resonate with today’s ever-evolving audience. These tactics are custom-built solutions that help you engage the global multicultural millennial.

We are deeply immersed in today’s music, art, lifestyle, sports and fashion scenes. We keep you connected with influential multicultural millennials by delivering authentic campaign messaging, cultural value, and compelling content. We specialize in understanding where this demographic resides, how they consume and share ideas, and what inspires them. We seamlessly weave in your message – both digitally and in the real world.

OUR LIFESTYLE

We are tailors of culture. Diversity, Relevancy, and Authenticity are at the core of who we are and what we do. We embrace taking risks. We reject the status quo in favor of breaking new ground. Our creations are boundless, untied to traditional notions of media or frames of thought. We understand your audience, because we are your audience.

OUR SERVICES

From analytics to strategy, publishing to community management, we facilitate every part of your brand’s social lifecycle.

From analytics to strategy, publishing to community management, we facilitate every part of your brand’s social lifecycle.

Multitiered. Multicultural. Our in-house team knows how to spark conversation across social platforms and traditional outlets.

We've developed deep relationships with a network of trendsetters and game changers across every facet of pop culture, and they’re ready to spread the word.

Good creative is built on strong insights. Tapping into culture, trends and analytics, we make creative that engages and resonates with your target.

Your brand’s long term success is grounded in a solid strategy. Our roadmap will ensure that your team knows where they’re headed and how to get there.

From short form to longform, behind-the-scenes to live streams, we’ve got you covered.

From screenings to live shows, after parties to pop-ups, we know how to throw a buzzworthy event that puts your brand in the spotlight.

Using the most up-to-date targeting and analytic methods, we can buy efficiently on both established and emerging platforms to maximize the impact of your ad spend.

SOCIAL

From analytics to strategy, publishing to community management, we facilitate every part of your brand’s social lifecycle.

PUBLICITY

Multitiered. Multicultural. Our in-house team knows how to spark conversation across social platforms and traditional outlets.

INFLUENCERS

We've developed deep relationships with a network of trendsetters and game changers across every facet of pop culture, and they’re ready to spread the word.

CREATIVE STRATEGY

Good creative is built on strong insights. Tapping into culture, trends and analytics, we make creative that engages and resonates with your target.

BRAND STRATEGY

Your brand’s long term success is grounded in a solid strategy. Our roadmap will ensure that your team knows where they’re headed and how to get there.

CONTENT PRODUCTION

From short form to longform, behind-the-scenes to live streams, we’ve got you covered.

EXPERIENTIAL

From screenings to live shows, after parties to pop-ups, we know how to throw a buzzworthy event that puts your brand in the spotlight.

MEDIA BUYING

Using the most up-to-date targeting and analytic methods, we can buy efficiently on both established and emerging platforms to maximize the impact of your ad spend.

OUR REEL

OUR TEAM | EVERY THREAD COUNTS

Ted Chung

Chairman

Ted Chung is the Founder of Cashmere Agency and drives the company’s business development and creative strategy. Under his direction, the agency designs and executes targeted campaigns to help global brands authentically reach their multicultural millennial consumer.

Ted holds a BA in Business with a specialization in Entertainment Marketing from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s been a guest speaker at Harvard University, Babson School of Business and the Directors Guild of America Music for Film & TV Conference.

Ted has been featured in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Ad Week, XXL and VIBE, as an expert on multicultural youth lifestyle and marketing. Ted Chung was recently nominated for the prestigious 2014 ADCOLOR Rockstar Award, which recognizes the top leaders and visionaries in their industry.

Ted is an avid traveler and enjoys collecting unique items, including his extensive hip-hop memorabilia like the illustrious “Rap Snacks” collection and rap action figures. He’s also the proud owner of the rare Datsun 220z T-Top.

Seung Chung

President

Seung Chung is the President of Cashmere Agency and leads new business development, operations, and financial planning. Under his direction, Cashmere has grown into an award-winning agency with pivotal business wins of Activision, Namco, adidas, Nestle, Red Bull and PepsiCo. He is critical to all areas of the organization and managing processes that have resulted in the outstanding campaigns Cashmere’s created over the years.

Seung has produced several titles for MTV, Asian-American broadcast network Mnet, and other short and long-form content. Prior to starting Cashmere Agency with Ted Chung, Seung served in Business Development with NextLinx Corporation providing software solutions for global supply chain and trade clients. Seung also worked at Ernst & Young LLP implementing business process and ERP solutions with Fortune 500 companies in the retail and insurance industries. Seung holds a MS in Information Technology from George Washington University and a BS in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

When Seung isn’t running things at Cashmere, he enjoys nom’ing on Korean BBQ, playing golf, traveling the world and shreddin’ half pipes at Mammoth Mountain with his family. He has a mean sock game and is an expert in fantasy football. Seung was born in South Korea and moved to Maryland with his family at the age of two.

Ryan Ford

Executive Vice President / Chief Creative Officer

As the Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Ryan Ford oversees all creative and communication strategies. Ryan builds out many of Cashmere’s most successful programs and campaigns, including Airbnb, Overstock.com, adidas Originals, Hot Pockets, PepsiCo and much more. Constantly working to identify and integrate the changing dynamics between brands and multicultural millennial consumers, Ryan is a driving force behind the agency’s success.

Ryan holds a BA in Journalism from University of Iowa and a MA in African-American Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to Cashmere Agency, Ryan served as Executive Editor at The Source, often dubbed “hip-hop’s bible.” For eight years, Ryan played a pivotal role in the construction and content of every issue and interviewed hundreds of revered musicians, executives, celebrities and politicians, including Jay Z, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Puff Daddy, Russell Simmons, Al Sharpton, Shaquille O’Neal, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Nas and OutKast to name a few. His tenure at The Source led him to several on-camera contributions for E! Network’s, True Hollywood Story: Snoop Dogg and VH1’s Behind The Music.

A music enthusiast, Ryan enjoys all genres of great music, not just hip-hop. In his downtime, Ryan enjoys watching football (NCAA and NFL), playing video games (his favorite being Madden NFL), nerding out on anything related to Star Wars (specifically the Dark Side) and attending concerts. In his prime, Ryan played football for the University of Kansas as an offensive guard, “Rock Chalk Jayhawks!” He hails from Des Moines, Iowa.

Nick Adler

Senior Vice President

As Vice President of Business Development, Nick Adler is chiefly responsible for pursuing endorsement deals, licensing opportunities and developing brand opportunities for Cashmere Agency’s growing list of clients. He specializes in aligning both new and familiar brands with Cashmere’s core ability to produce creative campaigns that authentically speak to the multicultural millennial consumer. One of Nick’s many successful partnerships includes pairing entertainment icon and longtime client, Snoop Dogg with global sportswear brand, Adidas. In 2012, Nick was included in Social Media Week’s “Social 25” list of digital media influencers.

Prior to joining Cashmere, Nick began his career in NYC as an entertainment law attorney. After honing his skills in the legal realm, Nick made the transition into television production, where he produced several of E! Entertainment’s highest rated series, including Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood. Nick holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University and received his JD from New York Law School.

Originally from upstate New York, Nick is a total tech junky who also fashions himself as a BBQ grill master. He’s been featured in the New York Times for his impressive facial hair care skills. While still enrolled in law school, he co-founded the Woodstock Film Festival, which continues to stand as one of America’s premier film festival. When he’s not working, he enjoys traveling the world and exploring new cultures and people.

Rona Mercado

Senior Vice President, Accounts

As Vice President of Client Services and Marketing at Cashmere Agency, Rona Mercado oversees the execution of all campaigns and manages client relations. Her relentless work ethic and passion has led Cashmere to work with internationally recognized brands like the NBA, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Television, Netflix, E! Entertainment, Gatorade, PRO-Keds, professional DJ equipment companies Numark and Akai and more.

Beginning her career at a thriving independent record label, Rona has worked with notable names in music, including Kurupt, Nate Dogg, B-Real, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Shyne, Jadakiss, Wu-Tang Clan and Mos Def. While at the record label, Rona’s stellar work caught the eyes of renowned movie studios, including Paramount Pictures and MTV, where she developed comprehensive marketing campaigns for major motion pictures. Shortly after, Rona created and produced a popular radio show for SIRIUS XM and managed a DJ collective. Rona currently sits on the board of directors of Street Poets, a Los Angeles non-profit organization that helps at-risk-youth connect with their authentic selves through poetry and art. Rona is a graduate from California State University, Long Beach.

Outside of work, Rona enjoys riding her bike on the Eastside of Los Angeles, indulging in amazing eats, finding the best coffee roasts in town and spending time with family in her hometown of San Diego. She owns a very impressive collection of signed vinyl records and hip-hop memorabilia, spanning from EPMD to Kanye West. Her office always smells like a luxurious day spa, filled with scented soy candles, essential oils, loose-leaf tea and the freshest pressed Green Juice in town!

Brianne Pins

Vice President, Public Relations

As Vice President of Public Relations at Cashmere Agency, Brianne Pins oversees targeted publicity campaigns and building brand awareness for all clients. With over a decade of PR experience, Brianne boasts an attuned knowledge of public relations in the fields of entertainment, technology, consumer and corporate arenas.

Brianne began her career focusing on corporate communication, consumer, health care and public education campaigns for The Rogers Group. There, she extensively worked on media relations and strategic communications for clients, including the State of California, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kellogg’s. She eventually transitioned to 5WPR, where she honed her skill set in the entertainment and technology industries. Among Brianne’s clients at 5WPR were The Patina Group, Ice Cube and music producer/filmmaker Quincy “QD3” Jones III. Brianne then joined Myspace Music as Communications Manager, where she spearheaded PR efforts for the company’s consumer and business offerings, as well as their content initiatives. Brianne holds a BA in Communications from the University of Iowa.

Brianne also sits on the Board of Directors for The League of Young Voters – a national organization which empowers young people nationwide to participate in the democratic process and create progressive political change on the local, state and national level – with a focus on non-college youth and youth from low-income communities and communities of color.

Outside her passion for music and entertainment, Brianne loves cooking (she makes a mean Lasagna) and traveling. She enjoys everything LA has to offer, including hiking, biking at the beach and Sunday brunches. Brianne is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and can usually be found singing a song from her favorite artist, Mary J. Blige.

Jesse Nicely

Director, Creative Strategy

As the Director of Creative Strategy, Jesse Nicely generates unique campaigns and creative experiences for new and existing clients. He works relentlessly to present innovative and original ideas to help global brands authentically reach their multicultural millennial target demographic. Jesse’s creativity has lead Cashmere Agency to produce campaigns for top brands, including Post Cereal, Reed’s Ginger Brew, Happy Socks, Eat24 and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Jesse began his career in NYC, shortly after earning a double major in Psychology and Journalism from New York University. He earned the title of Managing Editor at famed culture publication Frank151. Expanding the magazine’s global presence, Jesse was a key component to launching its French edition and in the creation of Frank’s Chop Shop, a brand extension that served as both barbershop and destination retail location in NYC’s Lower East Side. Returning to his home of sunny California, Jesse became the Editor-In-Chief of Toyota’s Scion Magazine, while also providing creative and strategic guidance on experiential marketing projects, such as the Scion Route Film Tour. He eventually joined Dentsu America, the US subsidiary of Japan’s largest advertising agency, as a Strategic Planner working with American Licorice, Bandai, Chandon, Famima, Fujitsu, Nissin and Union Bank.

Cameron Crane

Director, Accounts

As Director of Accounts at Cashmere Agency, Cameron Crane oversees campaigns from inception to execution for clients such as GE, PayPal, HBO and Red Bull. Cameron has spent over six years in the media and marketing world. Prior to joining Cashmere, Cameron worked in-house for top lifestyle brand lululemon athletica and managed key accounts at Emmis Communications for top Los Angeles radio station Power 106.

Joey Furutani

Vice President

As Vice President at Cashmere Agency, Joey Furutani is responsible for agency profitability, resource management, and cross-department stability to ensure the growth of the world-class marketing agency. He is a savvy leader with extensive knowledge of finance, resource allocation and marketing, possessing a proven track record in driving revenue and ensuring profitability from existing and future client accounts.

Joey has over eight years of professional experience in the fields of traditional and digital marketing, branding, social media, strategic communications, and business development. His current and previous client base—ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local businesses—come from numerous industries, including entertainment, technology, gaming, aerospace, public utilities, and nonprofit. Prior to re-joining Cashmere Agency in a senior role, Joey spearheaded marketing and client relations at Spectrum Knowledge, a corporate training company that accelerates professional leadership through research-driven, real-world leadership certificate programs in partnership with the UCSD Rady School of Management. Joey holds a BA in Asian American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.

A food enthusiast, Joey’s passion is cooking, particularly Japanese and Italian cuisine. Outside of the kitchen and when not eating, he enjoys hiking, surfing, traveling, all things sports-related, and an occasional spirited debate on the current political landscape.

Kyle Dineen

Director, Social

As the Director of Social, Kyle Dineen oversees all social media campaigns for Cashmere's clients such as TNT, FX, Netflix, Amazon, Diageo, adidas, Sony Pictures and many more. Kyle focuses on creative and culturally relevant social campaigns that are driven by insights, strategy, content creation, and reaching new audiences with unique social voices and community management. Kyle has spent the last 7 years at Cashmere developing and executing 360 marketing campaigns that include social media marketing, creative content production, event management, influencer campaign execution, and overall brand strategy.

Before Cashmere, Kyle was the Marketing Director of fashion company Kallusive at the beginning of the social media marketing era. He helped developed social strategies for the brand that led to major distribution deals both nationally and internationally. He also helped successfully launch the brand into various industries such as skate, dance, and hip hop. During his free time, Kyle runs a community empowerment non-profit organization called Eayikes, helping youth and young adults develop empathy and connection to the world around them. Kyle also enjoys DJing local events and small festivals on the weekends.